Ahilyabai Holkar remains an enduring model of good governance

Many, many years ago, there lived a queen in India named Ahilyabai Holkar.

She was born in 1725 in a small village called Chondi.

When she grew up, she became the ruler of a region called Malwa.

Back then, some people did not want a woman to be the ruler, but she proved she could lead very well.

She made sure ordinary people could come and talk to her about their problems.

She kept taxes fair so people were not overcharged, and her kingdom still had plenty of money.

She built roads, wells, rest houses for travelers, and repaired many famous temples.

She also helped create the beautiful Maheshwari cloth-weaving tradition.

She ruled for about thirty years and became known as a great and kind queen.

Today, people remember her as a wonderful example of a good leader.